Indian National Movement I (1905-1918): UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

The Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1906 was significant for its adoption of four key resolutions that defined the strategies of the Congress during the Swadeshi movement. These resolutions were: boycotting British goods, resolution on nationalist education system independent of British control, resolution on Swadeshi, adoption of the demand for Swaraj or self-rule. However, the "Annulment of partition of Bengal" was not among these resolutions.

Explanation

The Swadeshi Movement was initiated as a direct response to the partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon in 1905. The partition was perceived as a deliberate attempt to fragment the Bengali-speaking population along religious lines, thereby weakening the unity of the nationalist movement. The movement focused on boycotting British goods and promoting locally made products, advocating for self-reliance and economic independence. Leaders like Rabindranath Tagore, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak played key roles. Initially strong in Bengal, it spread nationwide, fostering national pride and unity.

Explanation

The date 16th October 1905 is historically significant as it marks the Partition of Bengal, a controversial administrative decision by Viceroy Lord Curzon. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 aimed ostensibly for administrative efficiency divided the province along religious lines, with East Bengal primarily Muslim and West Bengal predominantly Hindu. It was met with widespread protests and ignited a strong nationalist movement. While the partition was annulled in 1911, it left a lasting impact fueling the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India was initiated in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917. The farmers were forced to grow indigo under oppressive conditions, often receiving very low prices for their crops, and were subjected to high taxes. Gandhi’s non-violent protest led to an official inquiry, resulting in relief for the farmers and marking a significant victory for the Indian freedom movement. This marked the beginning of his non-violent struggle for social and economic justice in the country.

Explanation

Statement A is false: Maulana Mohammad Ali and Abul Kalam Azad did not resign from the Legislative Council in 1916. They resigned in 1919 during the Khilafat Movement.

Statement R is true: The Rowlatt Act, known for its repressive provisions, was passed despite unanimous opposition from Indian members of the Legislative Council. The Rowlatt Act provoked nationwide protests across India, with people from all walks of life, including students, workers, and political leaders, expressing their anger.

Explanation

The extremist nationalist movement in India (late 19th to early 20th century) was marked by its Swadeshi spirit, emphasizing self-reliance, national education, and rural rejuvenation. A detailed analysis of the statements is as follows:

Statement (a) is incorrect: Aswini Kumar Dutta, a prominent leader during the Swadeshi movement led the agitations of Muslim peasants in Barisal, not Liaquat Hussain. Statements (b), (c) and (d) are correct:

In 1889, the scheme of national education was formulated by Satish Chandra Mukherjee. The Bengal National College was founded in 1906 with Aurobindo as the first Principal, which was established in the context of the Swadeshi movement to promote nationalistic education. Rabindranath Tagore actively advocated for the philosophy of Atmasakti (self-reliance), highlighting the need for the socio-economic development of villages to achieve national progress.

Explanation

The London Muslim League was founded in 1908 by Syed Ameer Ali and other Muslim leaders. He was a prominent figure in the Muslim community, played a significant role in promoting the interests of Indian Muslims on an international platform. In 1909 he became the first Indian to be appointed as a member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. He served in this prestigious position until his death in 1928, leaving a lasting impact on the representation of Indians in British institutions.

Explanation

Upon returning to India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi initiated his first successful satyagraha in Champaran in 1917. The movement arose in response to the plight of indigo farmers in Bihar, who were compelled by British planters to grow indigo under oppressive conditions, leading to widespread exploitation. To support these farmers, Gandhi led a peaceful and nonviolent resistance movement, advocating for their rights and justice.

Explanation

The Early Nationalists movement, also known as the Moderates phase of freedom struggle, was led by a group of political leaders between 1885 and 1907. Most of the early nationalist leaders were drawn from educated middle-class professionals including lawyers, teachers and government officials and they adopted a constitutional and peaceful approach to achieve their objectives. Assertion (A) is True: The early nationalists failed to draw the masses into the mainstream of the national movement such that their area of influence remained limited to urban educated Indians. Reason (R) is False: The movement advocated for reforms like better representation in legislative councils, the reduction of discriminatory practices, and educational reforms. While it did not initially address the economic hardships of peasants or workers, it did aim at broader social and political changes within British India.

Explanation

The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Minto-Morley Reforms, was the shortest-lived of all of Britain’s constitutional experiments in India. It lasted only 10 years, until the 1919 Montague Chelmsford Reforms that lasted for the next 16 years. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 lasted for 31 years and it was replaced by the Indian Councils Act of 1892 which lasted for next 17 years.